ADL thanks Mayor Ron Nirenberg and San Antonio City Council members for passing a resolution denouncing hate and calling on all residents to treat each other with respect.

The unanimous resolution, prompted by a rise in anti-Asian hate, antisemitism, racism and discrimination, notes that hate incidents and crimes are rising as Asian and Pacific Americans, Jews, Muslims and immigrants are being blamed for the outbreak and spread of COVID-19. The resolution also highlights that COVID-19 is a health issue, not a racial, religious or ethnic one, and stigmatizing specific communities for the disease creates an inexcusable risk to all community members.

The resolution denounces antisemitism, anti-Asian bigotry, and hateful rhetoric against the Asian and Pacific Islander, Jewish immigrant and other communities, and affirms the city’s commitment to the safety and well-being of all community members and to curbing hateful acts. It also encourages people to report incidents to the proper authorities and agencies for investigation.

“We are pleased Mayor Nirenberg and the San Antonio City Council, while in the midst of protecting the city from the pandemic, took the time to condemn coronavirus-related hate and promote respect for all their citizens,” said ADL Southwest Regional Director Mark Toubin. “San Antonio’s leadership understands that the effort to contain COVID-19 requires that its citizens be safe from hate as well as the disease.”